2008: A ZOMBIE ODYSSEY

On the eve of their reunion shows in London, The Zombies’ COLIN BLUNSTONE talks to Ian Shirley

It’s that time of the season again, with The Zombies reforming in March to perform their classic second album, Odessey & Oracle (recently reissued on Ace, right), 30 years after it was released. “I have worked with Rod Argent in a touring band for the last eight years,” says former frontman Colin Blunstone,” so he and I play a lot together. But we have got original Zombies drummer Hugh Grundy and Chris White, the bass player, on board. We all got together, went through the album to see how we all felt about playing together, and it sounded great, really fresh and confident. We did that even before we agreed to do these shows.”

Although original guitarist Paul Atkinson sadly passed away in 2004, there has been huge demand for tickets, with all three dates (March 7, 8 and9) at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire selling out. Famed guitarist Al Kooper will fly in from America to introduce the band each night. Interest in The Zombies’ music and collectables has also never been higher, with old and new generations rediscovering the music of this vibrant, creative 60s group, whose diverse output ranged from gorgeous vocal pop to early psychedelia.

The Zombies formed at school in Hertfordshire in 1961 and traded under names like The Mustangs and The Sundowners. Their final moniker was …

by Ian Shirley
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